The political atmosphere in Mandya turned tense after district Congress leaders held a fiery press conference condemning former JD(S) MLA K Suresh Gowda for threatening Congress functionary N Cheluvarayaswamy. Nagamangala Block Congress president Rajesh launched a strong counteroffensive, describing Gowda's remarks as “rowdyism” that has no place in a democratic system. Rajesh alleged that Gowda made the extreme statement out of desperation to please the JD(S) leadership, amid fears within his party that internal factions are working to deny him an assembly ticket.
Congress Targets JD(S) Brass
The Congress leaders also took aim at the JD(S) top brass, mocking their unfulfilled promises. Rajesh accused Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who represents the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, of failing to deliver on the Mekedatu project within 24 hours of being elected to Parliament, as he had previously claimed. The criticism highlighted the growing animosity between the two parties in the region.
Demand for Deputy Chief Minister
In a separate development, Mandya district unit president of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, S Anand, on Tuesday urged the Congress high command to appoint MLA and former minister Eshwara Khandre as the deputy chief minister. Speaking to reporters, Anand stated that Khandre, who also serves as the national president of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, has been instrumental in uniting the Veerashaiva Lingayat community across the country and guiding it towards social and educational progress.
Kuruba Sangha Seeks Position for Yatindra Siddaramaiah
In Mysuru, the Karnataka Pradesh Kuruba Sangha urged the Congress high command to provide a suitable position to MLC Yatindra Siddaramaiah in the newly formed state government. At a meeting led by the association’s immediate past president, B Subramanya, members congratulated Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar and extended their best wishes to the new government. The gathering also discussed the political representation of the Ahinda communities, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance.
